Have I mentioned that I hate paper piecing? The reason I joined the paper piecing swap was to try to get better at it, but I think I’m getting worse!
Last month I had to send the pieces for the blocks off to my swap partner to sew together as I just couldn’t get them to line up. Fortunately Michell was able to sew them up. (The photo is Michell’s from the Quilting Blocks Swaps Facebook page) Oops, I just noticed that she put the second one together wrong. I wonder if she has noticed. Or maybe she did it on purpose.
After my fiasco last weekend with the paper pieced block for this month, I decided to give the pattern another try. After all it was my mistake, not the pattern’s. My friend Dahn showed me a helpful tip of cutting templates for the pattern pieces. That way you don’t cut your fabric pieces too small or the wrong shape, which is one of the mistakes I tend to do.
I realized half way through cutting the pieces for one of the pieces of the block (6 pieces cut, 6 to go) that I was cutting them the wrong side up. And no they weren’t symmetrical. Fortunately for the fate of the block, and possibly for my participation in this swap, they could still be used. I just made those pieces of the block wrong side up. It means that the star spins the other way, but I bet you wouldn’t have known if I hadn’t told you.
Kelly (no blog) asked for a bright star on a white on white background. The white I used creates tons of movement in the block! I hope not too much. It was the only piece of white on white fabric I had in my stash!!
This block is called Carol’s Star and is from Quilter's Cache. Lots of great blocks to choose from there.
So another paper pieced block is accomplished and FNSI was a success. How did it go for you?
Janet
Your block turned out lovely. I've had the same problem with paper-piecing and cutting the fabric wrong side up or up side down or whatever. Your results, however, are perfect.
ReplyDeletewow...both are gorgeous blocks
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about paper piecing. It took me forever to get my head around working backwards. Lovely block - stick at it.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful paper piecing. It does take patience and time and more fabric but I like it because the points are so nice and precise
ReplyDeletebeautiful piecing :)
ReplyDeleteGreat colours, a super choice of white, and piecing that went together like a dream?? Did it? I have done triangles and points with freezer paper, bend it back on the seam line, and no tearing out later.
ReplyDeleteI love your star block - what gorgeous colours! xx
ReplyDeleteI found that when I use this technique I don't cut my fabric to size. I fold along the next seam line and when I hold it up to the light I place a larger piece of fabric right sides together making sure that this fabric covers the folded over piece. If I find a tutorial for this way I will email you the link...
ReplyDeleteDiane Bohn (from blank pages) has a great tutorial on Paper piecing with templates. I was a sceptic, but she converted me. Now paper piecing isn't so wasteful anymore. Your Star block is amazing and the others are more then passable. Look forward to seeing you next FNSI
ReplyDeleteThat star is so pretty with your fabrics - the white-on-white really makes it come alive. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Janet,
ReplyDeletebeautiful fabric, lovely work !
Best wishes
Käthe
the blocks are great... I find foundation sewing a real challenge too... I have great difficulty in thinking upside down/backwards ...
ReplyDeleteHugz
Beautiful blocks, Janet, and I admire your oersistence....I may haven't given up at the first 'hurdle'! Lol.
ReplyDeleteHi Janet. I feel your pain... hate paper piecing so hats off to you for preserving. Love your pretty block x
ReplyDeleteI like your block, especially the white background! It's so annoying when you find that you've cut the fabric for paper piecing the wrong way, been there done that, so many times. You ended up with an awesome block :-)
ReplyDeleteGorgeous block and you're right.... I wouldn't have know some fabric was wrong side up. In fact I still can't figure out which bits you're talking about. Might have been a hair pulling hassle but it turned out great in the end. Well done for sticking in and not letting it get the better of you. xxx
ReplyDelete